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#MYFayetteville | An Experience At A Time | #FAYTour15

I’ve been talking about it for weeks. I was going to take a tour of a town I’ve lived in for nearly 8 years! Why? Well because the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau wanted me to.. LOL Okay, so that isn’t the only reason but it was of course the main one. Thanks to the FACVB (a little bit easier to say and type) and the #FAYTour15 I was getting the chance to learn, explore and make memories in #MYFayetteville an experience at a time!

First Stop: The Hotel

We met at the Fairfield Inn & Suites – Fayetteville North on Ramsey Street. Now I must admit I didn’t even know this hotel was here. Their Grand Opening was less than a month ago and they celebrated with a party the night before our arrival. I was so excited for the possibility that I may actually be the first person in my room – I know silly but exciting still!

Thanks to our amazing FACVB Host, Melody, we were given a tour of the premises and all of the amenities it has to offer. Of course as Bloggers and Vloggers the first thing we spotted was an amazing Blue Wall that we nicknamed the Selfie Wall…

Come on, tell me this wall doesn’t just scream out “Take A Selfie!”

Our tour included a chance to see not only the rooms and suites but the wonderful amenities this hotel has to offer as well. When I tell you that the Fairfield Inn & Suites – Fayetteville North has gone above and beyond to give each visitor the best experience possible I am not exaggerating. Next to the lobby is an amazing eating area where each guest can have a wonderful hot breakfast each morning. They also offer services at night with dishes like wings, pizza and more. Next to that is a hidden bar where guest can enjoy a beverage of whatever kind they like to end their evening. If you don’t want a full sit down or room service meal you can always stop at the Market next to the front desk to grab anything you may want to take on-the-go or as a quick snack.

As we walked through the hotel, it was amazing how I felt like I was on a mini-vacation and not just a short drive away from home. From one of the biggest showers I have seen in a hotel to small details like a fridge, microwave and coffee station in each room (yes guys you know the coffee grabbed my attention). The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers a patio outside with a fire pit, lights and some of the comfiest chairs I’ve seen. They even have a grill if you want to make a ‘night out‘ a bit more fun!

We headed back inside to take a look at the amazing indoor pool which is kept at a lovely temperature perfect for relaxation and fun. The Fairfield Inn has also made sure that their hotel is friendly to all their visitors by including a lift chair for the pool as well as light indications outside rooms for the hearing impaired. Don’t forget the Fairfield forgot about the workout enthusiasts because they also have an amazing gym with a bit of everything you need to stay fit while still getting away from it all.

Don’t think the Fairfield Inn & Suites is all fun – they make it possible for businesses and families to have space for whatever events they may want to have as well. With a conference room equipped with the latest technology to a room perfect for an intimate wedding or event the Fairfield Inn & Suites is definitely a hometown destination with an out of town feel.

Let’s Eat: Greek Style!

After our tour we were all very happy to know that our next experience on the #FAYTour15 was going to be one of tastes, smells and food! We were headed to the Sherefe (pronounced “sherefay”) in downtown Fayetteville and for me this was going to be an experience I would count as a first. I had never enjoyed Greek or Mediterranean style cuisine and I was excited to add this to my list of things I’ve done.

When we arrived the very fist thing I thought was this place feels loved. Sherefe didn’t have the normal sense of a chain restaurant where you are simply another plate to be served and bill to be collected. We were welcomed like visiting friends and the atmosphere of the restaurant itself reinforced that with each step we took.

Sherefe is a family owned and operated restaurant and to say he owner Mustafa Somar is a man who embraces each guest as family. His love and passion for what he does is evident in every description he gives of the dishes he has created and the experience he wants you to have while with his family.

A photo posted by The MrsTee (@mrsteeh) on Apr 24, 2015 at 10:14am PDT

I relied on the experience of my companions and those who were already lovers of the Mediterranean cuisine and went with the Gyro/Döner Kebab Plate a delight of Beef, Tomato and Onions served with the most amazing topping I’ve discovered – tzatziki. Oh! I Can Not forget to mention the soup – the amazing Lemon Chicken soup that I wanted to take home and share with everyone I know! Yes it was THAT good! Luckily Mustafa actually offers take-home dishes but I did find out that this soup is rarely part of that simply because it sells out so fast. So if I were you, I would head downtown and find a seat, have a chat with Mustafa and ask for the best chicken soup in town – NOW!

Historic Discoveries: Walking Tour of Downtown Fayetteville

Our next stop was to head over to the Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum to meet out tour guide for an hour of discovery in downtown Fayetteville. This is a building I have driven by too many times to count but oh if only i knew the treasures of knowledge it held inside.

We had the chance to learn the history of the man our city was named after and so much more. After we toured the museum itself we started our tour. I never thought that the buildings and places I have walked by so many times held so much history within each stone and part of their design.

I learned so many facts and historical nuggets along this tour that the only thing I can say as that I think everyone who wants to know how Fayetteville became America’s Hometown should definitely stop by and take it for themselves. Oh and check out My Vlog from the day to hear a bit of it for yourself 😉

A Bit Of Adventure: Rock Climbing

After the Walking Tour it was time for a bit of adventure. I was going to have the chance to check something off my Must Do List… we took a short ride a few blocks over and met Ruth of The Climbing Place to learn how we could take the first steps to conquer the purple mountains – just one of the amazing Climbing walls they have there.

Rock Climbing has been something, well one of two things, that I have been wanting to do for a few years now. I saw it so many time on shows and different challenges on tv and always thought ‘I wish I could do that’. Yet each time they were in tropical locations or far away destinations. I never thought either would be something I could experience in my own backyard. I know – what is the other thing? Well you will have to stay tuned for my next few posts to find that out.

So when Melody told us that we would be having the chance to go Rock Climbing as part of the #FAYTour15 I could hardly contain my excitement. I talked about it all over my social media: twitter, instagram and youtube. I kept hinting and counting down the days until I’d be able to do something I thought I’d never get a chance to especially so close to home.

When we arrived, we were greeted my Ruth who was one of the Managers and she made me feel comfortable immediately. I told her that I didn’t think I would be able to get any further than the first two levels because I have no muscle strength in my upper body (or lower for that matter…lol). Ruth reassured me that the work of Rock Climbing actually comes more from your legs than your arms and that the power to accomplish it is mainly in your mind. As she talked, I began to understand that Rock Climbing is actually a lot about thinking and planning your path, your strategy and how you want to reach the top more than the physical part of doing it.

After a quick but intense belay class (Belay is the person who acts as an anchor to the person who is climbing. You handle their rope and feeding it taking in the slack or providing more when needed) , we were all set. I was the first to go up and even though I was nervous and anxious I tried to use those to help me. as I climbed and heard Ruth behind me encouraging and telling me how far I was going I realized how right she was. I didn’t need to be an athlete as much as I needed to be determined. With Ruth and her staff’s help I was able to make it to the ‘light purple mountains‘ I was literally a few more steps away from ‘ringing the bell‘. Looking back I wish I would have pushed myself a bit more but I know that since The Climbing Place is right here in #MYFayetteville I can always go back and make that goal.

So obviously taking pictures wasn’t very easy as I climbed but I did it! I check off something truly amazing off my Must Do List and I now I know that I can do things that I may not have thought possible. Of course this wasn’t the end…oh no! Our tour went on into the night with VIP Treatment, Arts, Entertainment and a Concert plus another day of Food, Fun and that 2nd thing I got to check off my list and I am going to share it all with you – Stay Tuned!!

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the experiences and/or services mentioned above for free from Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tiffany is the ‘ Tee’ behind TheMrsTee.com - a Lifestyle Blog created as a place to share her love of all things Faith, Family, Fashion, Food, Fun, Tech & Travel. Tiffany has established her influence within both the Blogging and Vlogging Communities. Tiffany has extended her presence beyond her URL to Television as a Panelist for the MomsEveryday TV Show for 2 Seasons and to the stage as a Cast Member of the Finale Season of The Listen To Your Mother Show. A 2016 VOTY Award Honoree, Contributing Author with iBlog Magazine and BlogHer.com growing herself as a Brand and Influencer are always at the center of Tiffany’s passion.

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About TheMrsTee

Tiffany is the ‘ Tee’ behind TheMrsTee.com - a Lifestyle Blog created as a place to share her love of all things Faith, Family, Fashion, Food, Fun, Tech & Travel. Tiffany has established her influence within both the Blogging and Vlogging Communities. Tiffany has extended her presence beyond her URL to Television as a Panelist for the MomsEveryday TV Show for 2 Seasons and to the stage as a Cast Member of the Finale Season of The Listen To Your Mother Show. A 2016 VOTY Award Honoree, Contributing Author with iBlog Magazine and BlogHer.com growing herself as a Brand and Influencer are always at the center of Tiffany’s passion.

39 thoughts on “#MYFayetteville | An Experience At A Time | #FAYTour15”

The selfie waaall, I love that! This sounds like you had an awesome fun-filled day. If I'm ever in the Fayetteville area I will be sure to stop by Sherefe for Mustafa's lemon chicken soup. It sounds amazing!
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Ive worked with Marriot on their international properties and love their costumer service and rooms. The always have so much to offer at ther hotels.
Dee T
@HauteFrugalista
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Sounds like you had a blast! I would love to visit sometime and I will definitely stay at a Fairfield Inn, I love their hotels. That pool has my name on it and so does the soup you are talking about. I need a vacation even more after reading this, and if it happens to include climbing a rock wall, that would be awesome!

I truly did!! You should – let me know if you do. We hope to have a mini getaway over the weekend sometime soon. That pool was perfection. I’m trying to get me some more of that soup ASAP. Lol and the rock wall was amazing!

Fayetteville is only a couple hours from my house. I have family that lives there. I can remember doing a lot of Black Friday shopping there as a kid with my aunts and mom. It was always a lot of fun and we always snagged some really good deals. Fayetteville residents know how to decorate for Christmas too!

Stay cations are the absolute best. Isn't it fun to be able to take a break from real life and enjoy the beauty and wonderful things and places in your town? Thankfully in Chicago there is always a wealth of places and people to experience–it is Second City to none!

We did, Artney!! I had never been on a walking tour and it was so fun to walk and explore places I had driven by or walked through without even knowing the history they held. Oh yes and food makes everything better 😀 You should definitely add Rock Climbing to your things to do ..it was so fun!

This is so great! There is always so much to see in our hometowns but since we live there we take things for granted or travel elsewhere for fin and adventure. I am glad you enjoyed the Greek food! I have been to Greece and I love it! Congrats on the rock climbing! I did it once and it wasnt easy. I also love historical walking tours!
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Thanks! So true… we always think we have to \’go\’ somewhere to have fun or make memories but now I know I have all I need close to home whenever I want. Oh yes, I am truly a Greek cuisine fan from now on 🙂 Greece is only my places to see for sure! Thank YOU! It was so much fun and no not easy but definitely worth it… the tour was so much fun and walking through the places made it that much more interesting!

I love a really good place to stay and I love Fayetteville haven't been there in a while and I will make sure I visit some of these places. I am always going to Charlotte so I need to visit some other places around
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I've been to Fayetteville several times, but who knew it had all of this offer?! We usually just hit up Cross Creek Mall, but I'm definitely anxious to come back and check out a few of these places.
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Really?!?! That’s great. Yes Cross Creek is definitely my favorite place to shop but I am so excited to have discovered so much more. Next time you’re in town definitely head downtown to explore. There’s something for everyone. 🙂

I so would selfie in front of that wall!! This looks like an amazing hotel to be able to stay at!! I have never been to that part of the east coast the history there seems so rich!
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Haha! Isn’t it great?? We couldn’t leave without an #USie and a few #Selfies… LOL It is a really nice hotel and the rooms are lovely…oh and the beds – I could’ve slept the weekend away.. 😀 The history is one with so many different details I can’t wait to learn more…

I haven't rock climbed since I was really little and I would love to try it again! Hmmm this is definitely something I'm going to add to my to-do list for this spring/summer! It sounds like you had a blast!
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How awesome! I love exploring my own city and surrounding area there is always something new to try. The Marriott looks beautiful – I would have had to take a selfie too! And that Lemon Chicken Soup is calling my name!